A SANCTUARY for people to think or pray has been commissioned at south Bristol's community hospital.

A service was held at the Hengrove hospital with representatives from different faiths to commission the space that will give patients and visitors somewhere quiet for reflection.

Members of the Jewish, Sikh, Muslim and Baha'i communities gathered alongside Christian representatives for the service, which was led by the Rev Jillianne Norman, the lead chaplain at the hospital.

Faith leaders brought along sacred texts and religious artefacts for the sanctuary. The area was designed to offer patients and their loved ones a calm and restful environment away from the busy treatment areas.

It can be used by people of different faiths, and people with no faith, with privacy and space for reflection.

A stained glass window designed to reflect the elements has been installed in the sanctuary with funding from Bristol hospital charity Above and Beyond, along with other artworks, shelving for prayer books and mats.